Life Lessons: Holiday Baking Join us for this very special peek inside the Chicago Tribune’s test kitchen for an afternoon of holiday baking. Pastry chef and Angel Food Bakery owner Stephanie Samuels and Good Eating Editor Joe Gray will share tips and tricks on how to make your holiday cookies shine. Seminar concludes with a panel discussion with Tribune columnist Jenniffer Weigel, Samuels and Gray. The class size for this unique event is limited. $75. 1-4 p.m., Dec. 1, Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Ave. SOLD OUT

Printers Row Book of the Month: The Hobbit (And Other Books Made into Films) Tribune film critic Michael Phillips discusses book adaptations, why some fail, why others meet or exceed the originals, and wonders whether you wonder the same thing. Books in theaters this season include The Hobbit, Cloud Atlas, Silver Linings Playbook, The Life of Pi, and Lincoln. Brought to you free by Printers Row, 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka.

Press Pass: The Chicago Bears BeatIf you bleed blue and orange and believe all cheesehead hats should remain north of the border, this night’s for you. Tribune sports reporter Fred Mitchell and Bears Hall of Famer Richard Dent will dissect the action from the previous day’s Bears-Packers game. Bears jerseys encouraged but not required. Stick around afterward to watch the Monday night game on the big screen. $25. 7 p.m., Dec. 17, Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Ave.

TribU: Intro to Twitter Unlock the mysteries of Twitter (and find out it's not that mysterious). In this beginner's class, you will learn how to set up an account, learn Twitter's lingo, search for people and trending topics, and find helpful applications for your smartphone and home computer. $60, 6 p.m., Dec. 13, Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.

TribU: Saving for Retirement without Living Like a Pauper with Gail MarksJarvis Are you going to be able to retire some day? And are you giving your savings the power to turn into the future you want? Gail MarksJarvis, the Chicago Tribune's personal finance columnist and author of “Saving for Retirement without Living Like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery" tells you how to get there, and it’s not rocket science. $40, 6 p.m., Jan. 10, Chicago Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago